Board OKs raise for schools chief

SALEM -- Schools Superintendent David Brobeck, now in the second year of a three-year contract, is getting a raise. The school board voted Tuesday to increase Brobeck's base pay from $76,266 annually to $80,000. Brobeck's contract allows for a yearly review of his salary. Other aspects of his contract remain the same. Brobeck, 48, also is paid a yearly $4,000 stipend because he has a doctorate. The board approved borrowing nearly $300,000 to pay for and equip three modular classrooms at Buckeye Elementary. Each unit contains three classrooms, said Ted Cougras, who is in charge of the district's buildings. The units are needed to relieve overcrowding at the school, which is attended by about 440 pupils in kindergarten through fourth grade. The modular units will be ready for the start of the school year. The board heard a presentation by a group of athletic boosters interested in raising money for and building an athletic complex at the high school. Project organizers asked the board to consider supporting the nearly $1.3 million undertaking. No district funds would be used, but the district may be asked to guarantee a loan. The panel took no formal action. The proposal The proposal calls for a facility including locker rooms, a gymnasium, wrestling practice area and weight room. The board accepted Helen Gay Fawcett's resignation as principal at Reilly Elementary School. Fawcett, who has been with the district about a year, is leaving to become curriculum director with Nordonia Schools in Summit County. The board expects to meet in special session soon to consider a replacement for Fawcett.